Homicide Watch Chicago

Jose Nunez / Family Photo

BY WILL HAGER
Homicide Watch Chicago

Jose Nunez had an affinity for sports and “would never miss a White Sox game.”

Nunez, 23, was shot multiple times on a sidewalk in the 3800 block of West 26th Street in the Little Village neighborhood, authorities said. Nunez, of the 1800 block of North Leavitt Street, was dead on the scene when officers found him at 2:55 a.m.

Nunez grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and recently finished in the top 10 of his class at an alternative school, said his sister, Ilda Nunez-Wilcox.

When Nunez’ mother suffered a stroke, he developed an interest in nursing and wanted to become a certified nursing assistant.

“He tried to change his life for the better,” Nunez-Wilcox said.

“He struggled through the majority of his teen years, but I’m hoping it won’t overshadow the good he did in his life.”

Nunez’ attraction to the medical field reflected his passion for taking care of others, his sister said.

When Nunez-Wilcox moved to Clarksville, Tenn., Nunez stayed with her for three months and took care of her two dogs.

“He uplifted my spirits while my husband was gone and enjoyed helping me around the house, cooking, cleaning, doing errands,” Nunez-Wilcox said.

His brother, Jesus Nunez, said he could talk endlessly about sports.

“[He] would never miss a White Sox game,” Nunez-Wilcox said.

Jesus Nunez said he will remember his brother for his compassionate demeanor.

“Every time when I finished school, he would cook something at home for me,” Jesus Nunez said. “He was very caring and helpful — always looking for ways he could help out.”

Area Central detectives continue to investigate Nunez’ murder, but nobody has been charged as of Tuesday afternoon.